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    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Eating Disorder > Eating disorder and Ipecac
    Posted on: 06/07/2006

    Question

    I have been dealing with disordered eating for 6 months. I've been taking diet pills, purging (rarely) and abstaining from food. I recently obtained Ipecac. Can you please tell me the risks of it, I weigh 113.

    Answer

    Please seek medical help for the eating disorder -- there are health complications. The following Web site has information about eating disorders: http://womenshealth.gov/faq/Easyread/anorexia-etr.htm.

    About Ipecac: This is a medication that can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy to be used to induce vomiting (after ingesting poison) on the advice of a physician, emergency department or poison control center. However, because its effectiveness for this purpose has not been proven, this agent is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Some problems associated with the use of Ipecac include persistent vomiting, tiredness and diarrhea. Its use is also dangerous in patients who do not have a gag reflex or have seizures. Chronic misuse of Ipecac can lead to heart problems such as enlargement of the heart, which can lead to heart failure.


    Answered By:
    Khue Nguyen, Pharm. D.


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